Libraries are usually seen as a place to find books or do projects but libraries play a much wider and more vital role in society. The present day library is more than just books. They provide the skills to help you interpret and use research tools and enable you to make your own decision on issues. Libraries are adapting daily to our ever changing world.

The Provincial Library Services has this year chosen as its theme “Every face tells a story…” This can be seen as a sub-theme of the national theme where specific focus will be on children and youth. As in other years, Provincial Library Services will supply libraries with various promotional items to celebrate the week and libraries will in turn be presenting various programmes around the chosen theme.

Library Week was first celebrated in 1998 by the then library professional association the South African Institute of Library and Information Services (SAILIS), as a way to promote libraries and its services which occurred in May. In 2003 however, the current association, LIASA, changed the date of Library Week to March and instituted it as a National celebration.


Some of the things that libraries do that you might be aware of:

Teach Survival Skills
Being able to read is the most basic survival city skill in today’s information society. Librarians know how to get kids hooked on books! Vibrant storytelling sessions take place every day in libraries around the city. Most public libraries also offer pre-school story hour and other programs for pre-school and kindergarten-age children.

Wire the World
Learning how to use technology to access information is crucial for succeeding in today's world. Most people do not own a personal computer, but do have access to public libraries with computers offering access to the Internet. As such libraries sometimes provide the only means to access this technology. No parent is too poor to give his or her child the key to technology - a library card!

Stimulate Young Minds
Libraries provide a great alternative to video games and television.

Are Everywhere!
There are more public libraries than most other amenities in the city.

So visit your local public library during Library Week and be amazed.

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